About the Book

Book:  Cold Case Pursuit

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Romantic Suspense

A cold case solved by the K-9 unit…

but the past is not so easily escaped.

Decades after her parents’ murders, Penelope McGregor’s grateful the killer’s finally been identified—until he comes after her. Now Detective Tyler Walker and his K-9 partner, Dusty, must protect Penelope and catch the culprit…while making sure his little girl stays out of the crosshairs. But can the single father outplay a killer whose endgame will leave no one safe?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is a national bestselling author of over forty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Poisoned Pen Press, and Harvest House. Besides writing, she busies herself puttering around her Northern California backyard. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, teen bear cubs affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo, Junie, the  nutty terrier, and a chubby box turtle. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)

 

More from Dana

I love book covers with adorable children on them, don’t you? There’s something so angelic about those wee folks on the covers. I have two bear cubs myself, young adults now, and I love them devotedly. Tell you what though. Sometimes, just occasionally mind you, they were a wee bit naughty. Don’t tell anyone, but one reason I enjoyed writing Cold Case Pursuit so much is that hero Tyler is the single dad of a little girl named Rain who is….er…a handful. Sure, she’s adorable, but she’s prone to disobedience and the occasional tendency to flush things down the toilet. So in addition to the edge of your seat pursuit of a murderous clown killer, there are the shenanigans of a precocious preschooler, a highly trained yet distractible police K-9, and a romance that doesn’t exactly run smoothly. Fun to write? You betcha! I hope you enjoy coming along with me on this True Blue adventure!

MY REVIEW 

What makes for a successful romantic suspense? I have a list that I want to share. It has to have suspense that is fast paced, intriguing  and keeps you guessing til the end. Of course you need romance, but not too much.You need  characters  that are easy  to get attached to and bonus if there  is a child and/or dog involved. Well it looks like this is exactly what this story is. It starts with danger from the beginning  and I instantly tensed up. I do not like clowns  at all. They are creepy and just right for a suspenseful story. 

Penny is a very likable character. She is dedicated to her job and loves her brother. There is a bond between Penny and her brother Bradley that draws a dark cloud over their heads. Growing up with parents that didn’t really take care of them was hard. Penny questions why she was not loved by them. It is hard for a child to be rejected by their parents and it can cause lingering insecurity. 

I loved how the author brings a cold case to the surface and unravels  it piece by piece. We get a glimpse of who killed Penny and Bradley’s parents, but as the story continues we realize how evil he is. This man who claims that he did it to save Penny and Bradley from more abuse made me want to scream. All he really wanted was to feel power over someone and reign terror in their lives. 

Tyler is someone who works with K-9s and dedicates his life to protect others. I liked learning about his precious daughter Rain. He is raising her as a single dad since the mother abandoned her. Tyler won’t let anyone get close to him for fear they will leave him. He has a new assignment to keep Penny safe until they can catch the man who not only killed her parents but is now trying to kill her and her brother. Something in the paper sets this unstable man off. Now the race is on to capture him before he kills again. 

The story is one that holds your attention and keeps the action going. Penny has a few close calls that had me on the edge of my seat. Tyler does  his best to try to stay one step ahead but somehow this evil person knows where they  are at all times. I loved how the K9 dogs took center stage and allowed readers to see how hard they work. Each one is trained and only listens to their handler. I have really been enjoying this series and getting to know more about these specially trained dogs. 

In the midst of the danger going on, we see two people start to have feelings for each other. Penny is scared to let someone in because she isn’t sure that she can be loved. Her fear of turning out like her parents keeps her from letting go of the past. Tyler has not forgiven his ex-wife for abandoning him  and their daughter. The author does  an excellent job of using faith to help these two people realize they both need to stop allowing the past to keep them from happiness. The story is a great example  of surrendering  to God . His unconditional love is there for them and He is there  to heal their broken hearts. I loved everything about the story and always love reading a book by this author. Her ability to make the story come to life is exception. The characters are relatable and the lessons in the book help you understand that God loves us and will never leave us.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 19

KarenSueHadley, January 19

Bigreadersite, January 19

Through the Fire Blogs, January 20

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 20

Remembrancy, January 21

Genesis 5020, January 21

By The Book, January 21

For the Love of Literature, January 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 22

CarpeDiem, January 22

Texas Book-aholic, January 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 23

Blogging With Carol, January 23

Inklings and notions, January 24

Fiction Book Lover, January 24 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Batya’s Bits, January 24

Betti Mace, January 25

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 25

Labor Not in Vain, January 25

Hebrews 12 Endurance, January 26

Sara Jane Jacobs, January 26

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, January 26

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 27

Lighthouse-Academy, January 27

Older & Smarter?, January 27

Artistic Nobody, January 28 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Splashes of Joy, January 28

Mary Hake, January 28

For Him and My Family, January 29

Simple Harvest Reads, January 29 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Pause for Tales, January 29

deb’s Book Review, January 30

Hallie Reads, January 30

To Everything There Is A Season, January 30

She Lives To Read, January 31

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 31

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 1

Daysong Reflections, February 1

Bizwings Blog, February 1

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize of a Mentink giveaway bundle, including a $50 Amazon gift card and a tote bag!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/105ab/cold-case-pursuit-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

About the Book

Book:  Our Town Atheist

Author: Victoria Buck

Genre: Christian Women’s Fiction

Release Date: October 30, 2020

Small-town banker Adam Bender tackles a robber and loses. But that’s not what shakes the foundations of his well-managed life. He awakens in the hospital to the vision of an angel. But that’s not what casts doubt on his reasonable judgment. Turns out the angel is only a beautiful doctor—someone Adam wants to get to know better.

The bank robber is on the loose and out to get Adam. News spreads in the gossipy little town of Adam’s misfortune, his love interest, and his…atheism? He’d thought he could keep that a secret. But Adam Bender can handle it. Or, can he?

What happens one night on a mountain road leaves him questioning his worldview. And his sanity. And soon the whole town is waiting to find out if what Adam saw will alter his unbelief.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Victoria Buck is a native Floridian running a small business with her husband, who teaches her everything she needs to know about both melodrama and comic relief. Wake the Dead is her debut novel. Killswitch is the follow-up to book one. Transfusion is the last book in the trilogy about the world’s first transhuman.

Now, on to other stories! Victoria is currently working on two present-day novels. No transhumans or insurrections. Of course, there has to be a bit of a weird twist!

 

More from Victoria

Have you ever heard of a porkpie hat? Maurice is wearing one that terrible night when Adam sees him. The Chief of Police hasn’t seen a porkpie in Crossroads for decades, but old Mrs. Jones can tell you all about it. I wasn’t familiar with the hat until I wrote this story. Now I have one of my own!

I admit unusual characters pop into my head. Not your typical protagonist for someone who writes from a Christian worldview, Adam Bender showed up in my imagination after I wrote some blog posts about atheism. Those posts drew more response than I expected from the atheist community. Some were not so kind, but others wanted only to exchange ideas and explain their views in a non-confrontational manner. That’s when this easy-going, fictitious atheist began speaking to the writer in me. I let him talk for a while, and then I had to tell his story.

MY REVIEW 

This was quite  a unique story. Not many people approach the subject of someone being an atheist. People believe in different things and I liked how the author didn’t make the book preachy. It follows a man named Adam who really doesn’t believe in anything. A robbery at his bank changes him in ways he never thought possible. 

I really liked Adam and felt a little bad for him as the small town loved to gossip about him. Everywhere he turned, people were curious about him. I thought his observation about lots of the people in the town didn’t even attend church on Sundays was funny.  What I wanted to say to him is going to church doesn’t make you a Christian. Being like Christ and following Him is the way to show you are a believer.

There are several incidents that happen to Adam in the story that could be a way for God to get his attention. Did he see a ghost on the mountain? Was it someone crossing over or did he imagine it? I wasn’t sure if his relationship with Essa was a good idea. The town seems to have mixed emotions about Essa and Adam but I was interested to see where the author would take them. 

There is a bit of mystery in the book which tied into Adam and his journey of where he really stands with his belief. I still don’t know what the dog represented but I did like the part where Adam seems to almost change his mind about God. Will Adam find his way to God, or will he continue to have doubts ? I’m not sure I liked the ending but maybe there will be a follow up that will  explain some lingering questions I have.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 12

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 13

Sara Jane Jacobs, January 14

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 15

Susan K. Beatty, Author, January 16 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Bookshelf, January 16

Artistic Nobody, January 17 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 18

deb’s Book Review, January 19

Inklings and notions, January 20

For Him and My Family, January 21

Texas Book-aholic, January 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 23

Stories By Gina, January 24 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, January 24

CarpeDiem, January 25

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Victoria is giving away the grand prize package of an eBook copy of the book and a porkpie hat!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/10539/our-town-atheist-celebration-giveaway

 

About the Book

Book:  Lethal Intent

Author: Cara Putman

Genre: Romantic Suspense

If they expected silence, they hired the wrong woman.

Caroline Bragg’s life has never been better. She and Brandon Lancaster are taking their relationship to the next level, and she has a new dream job as legal counsel for Praecursoria—a research lab that is making waves with its cutting-edge genetic therapies. The company’s leukemia treatments even promise to save desperately sick kids—kids like eleven-year-old Bethany, a critically ill foster child at Brandon’s foster home. 

When Caroline’s enthusiastic boss wants to enroll Bethany in experimental trials prematurely, Caroline objects, putting her at odds with her colleagues. They claim the only goal at Praecursoria is to save lives. But does someone have another agenda? 

Brandon faces his own crisis. As laws governing foster homes shift, he’s on the brink of losing the group home he’s worked so hard to build. When Caroline learns he’s a Praecursoria investor, it becomes legally impossible to confide in him. Will the secrets she keeps become a wedge that separates them forever? And can she save Bethany from the very treatments designed to heal her? 

This latest romantic legal thriller by bestseller Cara Putman shines a light on the shadowy world of scientific secrets and corporate vendettas—and the ethical dilemmas that plague the place where science and commerce meet.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

As a preteen Cara Putman watched lawyers change legislative opinions at an important legislative hearing in Nebraska. At that time, she wondered if she became an attorney if people would give her words the same weight. An honors graduate of the University of Nebraska Lincoln, George Mason University School of Law and Krannert School of Management at Purdue University, Cara has turned her passion for words into award-winning stories that capture readers. Her legal experience makes its way into her stories where strong women confront real challenges.

An award-winning author of more than 30 books, Cara writes legal thrillers, WWII romances, and romantic suspense because she believes that no matter what happens hope is there, waiting for us to reach for it.

When she’s not writing, Cara is an over-educated attorney who lectures in law and communications at the Krannert School of Management at Purdue University and homeschools her children. She and her family live in Indiana, the land of seasons. You can read chapters for most of her books and connect with Cara at her website: http://caraputman.com.

 

More from Cara

Each novel has a unique genesis story. The spark that launches it into a journey of 90,000 words. For Lethal Intent, that journey began with a friend’s journey of childhood leukemia with her oldest. From watching their family wind through years of treatment including cutting edge therapy trials. Then it developed with the Immortal Life of Henrietta Lack and the thought what would someone be willing to do if they believed they’d found the next strain of immortal cells. The lead characters made appearances in other books, but now would have their opportunity to step to center stage. The story morphed and changed, dictated by the vagaries of the law and changes.

 

Each story has a spark. For Caroline it was a brainstorming session with my writing buddies Rachel Hauck, Colleen Coble, and Denise Hunter. That was when her backstory developed, all the things that happened to her to form her into the adult she is on the pages. One who cares deeply about others but who is fundamentally scared, longing for a place she can relax and take a deep breath.

 

Each story has a spark. For Brandon, it was brainstorming with another writing friend Tricia Goyer that lead to a creative job for a hero that wasn’t the typical law enforcement. His role with the group foster home was set and the backstory filled in quickly. What would it be like to be separated from and lose a brother in the foster care system? Would that generate this need to keep sibling groups together? And then the law changes and the fabric of your professional identity and something so much deeper is threatened.

 

Each story has a spark. The pharmaceutical start-up where ethics collides with the desire to save children. The push to do whatever it takes overshadowing the guardrails of the law. If they expected silence, they hired the wrong woman. But does Caroline really have the strength to battle and does she need to?

 

Lethal Intent grew from each of these sparks and many more to develop into a story I can’t wait for you to read. In the process I learned immense amounts about CAR-T cell therapies and foster care law. Most of all, I hope you’ll fall into the pages and be engrossed in a story you can’t bring yourself to put down until the final page.

MY REVIEW 

I love how the author slowly builds her story until it reaches an unnerving peak. The story is so good I was driven to read until I finished it. I love medical suspense and this one  tops them all. It isn’t far fetched, yet borders on ethics. How far would you go to save a child who is dying? 

The medical details are riveting and are easy to understand. I began to wonder if this CAR -T cell therapy was something that a company would push in order to gain recognition. Oh the old, “love of money is the root of all evil,” rears it’s ugly head in this story. Caroline is very efficient in her job as an attorney but is she over her head at her new job? She isn’t one to look the other way  when the law isn’t followed.  

I love the way Brandon fits into the story. He has a big heart for foster kids due to his childhood. He wants to make a difference in children’s lives and running his group home is helping his dream come true. I like the relationship between him and Caroline. It seems natural and not rushed. The story brings these two together more when the company Caroline works for could help save one of the children from Brandon’s group home. There are times I wanted to cry during the story as I read about trials, medical tests and discouraging  news that at any moment could deliver devastating consequences . Brandon is desperate to keep his group home up and running and turns to God to give him direction . 

The action is fierce and the danger never stops in this suspenseful story where someone is willing to risk it all for money and power. I loved how the author keeps you guessing as Caroline is given data that could legally take down a corporation. Who is behind the sinister plot to destroy evidence that could cost Caroline her life?

I really enjoyed learning more about foster care and the red tape that  is involved with keeping  kids safe until adopted. I’m sure the number of children in foster care is staggering. This story shines a light on the work that needs to be done to give happy  endings to the children who want a forever home. Brandon had a special place in my heart because of his compassion for children who needed to feel wanted. 

This is a story that has all the essentials to be made into a movie. The story is very well researched and is something that people go through when they decide to try everything they can to beat the disease that is trying to kill them.   The author is one of my favorites when it comes to intrigue and this book is by far her best. 

“Fears lose their weight when brought to the light.”

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 21

lakesidelivingsite, January 21

Texas Book-aholic, January 21

Through the Fire Blogs, January 22

Sara Jane Jacobs, January 22

A Novel Pursuit, January 22

CarpeDiem, January 23

Betti Mace, January 23

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, January 23

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, January 24

Blogging With Carol, January 24

HookMeInABook, January 24

For the Love of Literature, January 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 25

Fiction Book Lover, January 25 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

For Him and My Family, January 26

EmpowerMoms, January 26

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, January 26

Artistic Nobody, January 27 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, January 27

Where Faith and Books Meet, January 27

By The Book, January 28

Older & Smarter?, January 28

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 28

Inklings and notions, January 29

Simple Harvest Reads, January 29

Blossoms and Blessings, January 29

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 30

Splashes of Joy, January 30

Pause for Tales, January 30

Spoken from the Heart, January 31

Just Your Average reviews, January 31

deb’s Book Review, January 31

Hallie Reads, February 1

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, February 1

Genesis 5020, February 1

To Everything There Is A Season, February 2

Hebrews 12 Endurance, February 2

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 3

Southern Gal Loves to Read, February 3

Daysong Reflections, February 3

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Cara is giving away  the grand prize package of a “Just one more chapter” pillow cover, a copy of the book, an Erin Condren journal, and a hand-stamped bracelet!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/10627/lethal-intent-celebration-tour-giveaway